Photo Album: Water Damaged Soffit Torn to Pieces by Raccoons in Brick, NJ
Wow, That's Some Damage
As I went to inspect the back of the home, I immediately found the entry point. Apparently the soffit was previously damaged and needed to be repaired, but the homeowner never got around to do so.
Raccoons Are Opportunists
Raccoons and all nuisance wildlife will take advantage of these weak points to gain access into a home. They will cause more property damage and then use your attic as a bathroom or nest for their young.
The Set-Up
I temporarily sealed up the area with hardware cloth and installed a one-way in front of it. The one-way is designed to let the raccoon safely exit the area, but prevent them from getting back in. I also placed several baited traps nearby.
Once We Catch the Raccoon
Once the raccoon is safely caught, I'll relocate to a new, safe environment, disinfect the attic, and properly repair the soffit and seal it up with sturdy metal flashing.